Systems and methods for instrument reverberation devices

ABSTRACT

An example reverberation device configured for use with a musical instrument is disclosed. The example reverberation device comprises: (a) an input amplifier configured to receive an input signal from the musical instrument and output an amplified input signal based on the received input signal; (b) an input transducer connected to the input amplifier and configured to transmit the amplified input signal; (c) a reverberation plate comprising a bended surface, wherein the reverberation plate is connected to the input transducer, and wherein the reverberation plate is configured to output the input signal as an output signal at the bended surface; (d) an output transducer connected to the reverberation plate at the bended surface and configured to transmit the output signal; and (e) an output amplifier configured to receive the transmitted output signal from the output transducer and output an amplified output signal.

In this disclosure, unless otherwise specified and/or unless theparticular context clearly dictates otherwise, the terms “a” or “an”mean at least one, and the term “the” means the at least one.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an example reverberation device configured for use with amusical instrument is disclosed. The example reverberation devicecomprises: (a) an input amplifier configured to receive an input signalfrom the musical instrument and output an amplified input signal basedon the received input signal; (b) an input transducer connected to theinput amplifier and configured to transmit the amplified input signal;(c) a reverberation plate comprising a bended surface, wherein thereverberation plate is connected to the input transducer, and whereinthe reverberation plate is configured to output the input signal as anoutput signal at the bended surface; (d) an output transducer connectedto the reverberation plate at the bended surface and configured totransmit the output signal; and (e) an output amplifier configured toreceive the transmitted output signal from the output transducer andoutput an amplified output signal.

In another aspect, an example method is disclosed. The method includes:(a) receiving, from a musical instrument, via an input amplifier, aninput signal; (b) based on the received input signal, outputting, fromthe input amplifier to an input transducer, an amplified input signal;(c) transmitting, via the input transducer, the amplified input signalto one or more surfaces of a reverberation plate, wherein thereverberation plate comprises a bended surface; (d) based on thetransmitted input signal, outputting, to an output transducer, from thebended surface of the reverberation plate, an output signal; (e)transmitting, via the output transducer, the outputted output signal toan output amplifier; (f) receiving, via the output amplifier, theoutputted output signal; and (g) outputting, via the output amplifier,an amplified output signal.

In another aspect, an example reverberation system configured for usewith a musical instrument is disclosed. The example reverberation devicecomprises: (a) an input amplifier configured to receive an input signalfrom the musical instrument and output an amplified input signal basedon the received input signal; (b) a reverberation unit comprising: (i)an input transducer configured to receive an amplified input signal fromthe input amplifier and configured to transmit the amplified inputsignal; (ii) a reverberation plate comprising a bended surface, whereinthe reverberation plate is connected to the input transducer, andwherein the reverberation plate is configured to output the input signalas an output signal at the bended surface; and (iii) an outputtransducer connected to the reverberation plate at the bended surfaceand configured to transmit the output signal; and (c) an outputamplifier configured to receive the transmitted output signal from theoutput transducer and output an amplified output signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an example reverberation device.

FIG. 2 is an example reverberation device.

FIG. 3 is an example reverberation device.

FIG. 4 is an example control panel for an example reverberation device.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an example method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

I. Overview

There are a number of effects that can be applied to various musicalinstruments (e.g., guitars, basses, vocals, etc.) in a number ofcontexts. One of these effects is reverberation (also know as “reverb”).Reverberation occurs for a number of reasons, one of which occurs whensound waves reflect off of one or more hard surfaces at variousdistances from a sound source (e.g., a human voice reverberates aftersinging inside of a large open cathedral).

This effect has been replicated in a number of ways using both digitaland analog technologies. One way reverberation has been replicated usinganalog technology is by transmitting an amplified audio signal into alarge, flat, continuous plate of metal (e.g., 6 feet by 9 feet) anddetecting that input audio signal as an output audio signal at anotherpoint on the same plate. These systems are often referred to as “platereverbs.” These systems, however, present a number of challenges anddisadvantages.

For example, due to their size, analog plate reverb systems typicallyrequire several people to position, operate, and maintain and areprimarily (if not exclusively) used in studio recording settings.Further, these systems often require multiple components to work (e.g.,power amplifiers, preamplifiers, speakers, cables, etc.), all or some ofwhich may be positioned around different parts of studio. Thus,portability and consistency of performance, among other things, may bedifficult to obtain. Furthermore, because many of these components arein a fixed configuration, there is no way to vary the acoustic and/ormechanical properties of the produced reverberation effect. In spite ofthese challenges, however, audiophiles, musical artists and enthusiasts,and/or audio recording professionals may still prefer analog platereverberation systems over digital replications of these systems.

If, however, there was a way to provide analog plate reverberationeffects in a smaller, portable, self-contained reverberation device,then audiophiles, musical artists and enthusiasts, and/or audiorecording professionals, alike, would benefit.

To address these concerns, one approach may include transmitting anamplified input signal onto one or more surfaces of a dynamicallyconfigured reverberation plate and outputting an amplified output signalbased on receiving an output signal at one or more otherpositions/surfaces of the reverberation plate, all in one portable,self-contained device.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide devices, methods, andsystems, for improving the portability, sonic capabilities, andconsistency of reverberation devices by receiving a input signal from amusical instrument, amplifying that input signal, transmitting theamplified input signal onto one or more surfaces of the reverberationplate (using a number of different shapes, sizes, materials, andconfigurations), receiving the reverberated output signal at one or moreother surfaces of the reverberation plate, and outputting an amplified,reverberated, output signal based the same. By generating reverberatedaudio signals using smaller, variably-configured reverberation platesand supporting technologies, audiophiles, musical artists andenthusiasts, and/or audio recording professionals, alike, may be able tounlock new audio capabilities and use analog plate reverb in a number ofsettings previously unattainable (e.g., live performances, mobilerecording setups, etc.).

More specifically, example embodiments disclosed herein relate todevices, methods, and systems that allows users all of the benefits ofanalog plate reverberation (and more) without the constraints of priorsystems.

For example, a reverberation device may be configured for use with anynumber of musical instruments, including guitar, bass, vocals, drums,keyboards, pianos, horns, wind instruments, stringed instruments, andpercussion instruments, among other possibilities. In a further aspect,the reverberation device may be configured for use with other audiosignals from any number of other sources (e.g., by an output of a mixingconsole and/or any device that can transmit an audio signal). In anexample embodiment, the reverberation device may have one or moreinstrument inputs that utilize one or more connection mechanisms (e.g.,a ¼ inch cable input, an XLR cable input, a MIDI cable input, etc.),depending on the instrument that is connected to the reverberationdevice.

In some examples, once connected to the musical instrument, thereverberation device may use one or more amplifiers (e.g., poweramplifier, preamplifiers, etc.) or other technologies (e.g., linematching transformers, potentiometers, etc.) to adjust the input signalto a suitable to receive the input signal from the musical instrumentand properly output the received input signal as an amplified inputsignal. In other example embodiments, one or more of these features andcontrols thereof may be centralized on a specific portion of thereverberation device (e.g., a control panel) to ensure convenientoperation for the user.

Once the input signal is amplified, it may be transmitted using one ormore transducers configured to transmit the amplified input signal to areverberation plate. In some examples, the one or more input transducersmay be configured to transmit the amplified input signal onto one ormore surfaces of the reverberation plate, which may include a particularposition on the surface and/or multiple surfaces of the reverberationplate. These configurations may be accomplished in a number of ways.

In some examples, the input transducer may be a piezoelectrictransducer. In some examples, the piezoelectric transducer may beconnected to a surface and/or fixed in one or more positions on one ormore surfaces of the reverberation plate. For example, the inputtransducer may be mounted on a surface of the reverberation plate usingone or more connection mechanisms (e.g., an adhesive, fastener, physicalmount, etc.), and connected to one or more components of thereverberation device (e.g., the input amplifier). In some examples, theinput transducer may be mounted on a surface of the reverberation platemay be configured to transmit the amplified input signal at a particularposition on a surface of the reverberation plate (e.g., on a middleportion of the reverberation plate, on a terminal end of thereverberation plate), depending on the configuration of thereverberation and/or the desired effect, among other possibilities. In afurther aspect, the piezoelectric transducer may have one or morematerials attached to the surface that makes contact with thereverberation plate, one or more surfaces that do not make contact withthe reverberation plate, or both depending on the configuration of thereverberation and/or the desired effect, among other possibilities. Forexample, the piezoelectric transducer may have wooden materials (orother materials) affixed to the piezoelectric transducer itself tocreate different reverb effects based on the piezoelectric transducer'scontact with the wooden materials and the reverberation plate.

In one example, the input transducer may be a loudspeaker. In a furtheraspect, the loudspeaker may be a fixed in one or more positions. Forexample, the fixed position loudspeaker may be mounted on one or morepositioning mechanisms (e.g., a small stand and/or boom arm), orintegrated into one or more components of the reverberation device(e.g., the cabinet and/or a baffle of the reverberation device). In someexamples, the fixed position loudspeaker may be configured to transmitthe amplified input signal at a particular position on a surface of thereverberation plate (e.g., on a middle portion of the reverberationplate, on a terminal end of the reverberation plate), depending on theconfiguration of the reverberation and/or the desired effect, amongother possibilities.

In a further aspect, the loudspeaker's position may be variable inrelation to the reverberation plate. For example, the variable positionloudspeaker may be mounted on one or more positioning mechanisms thatcan articulate and then lock into a particular position (e.g., a smallstand configured to rotate and/or extend and/or an articulating boomarm). In one example, the loudspeaker may be connected to a mount and/ortrack that allows the loudspeaker to slide in one or more directions inrelation to the reverberation plate and then be locked into a particularposition at any given time. Furthermore, there may be more than onemount and/or track that allows the loudspeaker to slide in more than onedirection (e.g., in both vertical and horizontal directions relative tothe reverberation plate). This track, the locking mount/mechanism,loudspeaker, or all three may be integrated into one or more componentsof the reverberation device (e.g., the cabinet of the reverberationdevice). In some examples, the variable position loudspeaker may beconfigured to transmit the amplified input signal at a particularposition on a surface of the reverberation plate and then varied inmultiple positions relative to the reverberation plate over time,depending on the configuration of the reverberation and/or the desiredeffect, among other possibilities. Additional examples and/orconfigurations are possible.

In a further aspect, the loudspeaker's position may continuously and/orintermittently vary in relation to the reverberation plate to produceone or more desired effects. For example, the loudspeaker may be mountedon one or more mechanical devices that cause the loudspeaker to changeits position relative to the reverberation plate and/or transmit theamplified signal in a number of ways to produce effects in addition toreverberation. For example, the loudspeaker may be mounted to rotationmechanism that causes the loudspeaker to transmit the amplified inputsignal in various directions and/or onto multiple different surfaces ofthe reverberation plate over time. By doing so, the rotating loudspeakermay cause a rotary audio effect and/or audio effects that create morecomplex reverberations. In other examples, the loudspeaker may varyother parameters of the amplified input signal (e.g., audio volume, oneor more audio filters, etc.) while transmitting onto one or moresurfaces of the reverberation plate, all of which may cause additionalaudio effects that create more complex reverberations and/or audioeffects. Additional examples and/or configurations are possible.

In a further aspect, the reverberation plate may be made of differentmaterials and/or configured in different ways, depending on the size andpurpose of the reverberation device and/or the desired effect. In someexamples, the reverberation plate may be made of a metallic material,including, for example, aluminum, steel, copper, and/or other metallicmaterials, including alloys and other treated metallic materials. Inother examples, the reverberation plate may be made of other types ofmaterials, including wooden materials such as spruce, mahogany, maple,rosewood, walnut, pine, and/or laminates and other combinations ofwooden materials. In still other examples, the reverberation plate maybe made of additional materials, depending on the configuration of thereverberation and/or the desired effect, among other possibilities.

In addition to being made of various materials and/or combinationsthereof, the reverberation plate may be configured and/or shaped invarious ways. As discussed above, plate reverbs are typically made up ofvery large, continuous, flat sheets of metal. However, in some exampleembodiments of this disclosure, the reverberation plates may not only besmaller, but they may also be bent, folded, and/or shaped in variousways to reduce the space required to contain and use these reverberationplates, and also to create new sonic and/or audio signal possibilities.

For example, in some embodiments, the reverberation plate may bent orfolded onto itself in one direction so that a distance from a first endof the reverberation plate to a second end of the reverberation plate isless than a length of a top surface of the reverberation plate from thefirst end to the second end (i.e., a flat sheet of material isbent/folded in one direction creating a “U” shape when looking top downat the reverberation plate). In other example embodiments, thereverberation plate may bent so that a distance from a first end of thereverberation plate is connected to (or at least touching or close totouching) a second end of the reverberation plate (i.e., a flat sheet ofmaterial is bent creating a “O” shape when looking top down at thereverberation plate). In other example embodiments, the reverberationplate may bent so that a distance from a first end of the reverberationplate is closer to a second end of the reverberation plate by collapsingthe plate on itself in one direction (i.e., a flat sheet of material isbent creating a “S” shape when looking top down at the reverberationplate). Furthermore, although the aforementioned example reverberationplate configurations are described with one and/or two primary bendedportions, many additional configurations are possible by bending thereverberation plate in one, two, and three dimensional configuration. Insome example embodiments, the reverberation plate may have severalsimilar bends (i.e., a flat sheet of material is bent creating a shaperesembling several continuous bends “˜˜˜˜” when looking top down at thereverberation plate). In other examples, the reverberation plate mayhave a particular bends at one portion (“U” shaped bend at one portion)and a different bend at another portion (“S” shaped bend at anotherportion). In other examples, the reverberation plate may be bent into athree dimensional shape (e.g., a hollow sphere, etc.). Other examplesare possible.

In these example embodiments, the space required to house/contain thesereverberation plates (e.g., inside a reverberation device) is reduced inone or more directions. Additionally, in these examples, there may besome portions and surfaces of the reverberation plate that are flatterand/or more bended than others. Additional advantages of variousconfigurations of the reverberation plate are the sonic and audio signalpossibilities that do not exist in very large, continuous, flat sheetsof metal. For example, compared to traveling from one end of large,continuous, flat sheet of metal, an amplified audio signal will behavedifferently when traveling through a material configured in one or moreof the shapes described above. Additionally, the resultant amplifiedaudio signal that is measured and/or received different points on theshaped reverberation plate may be different than the analogous points ona flat reverberation plate. Other factors may affect this signaltransformation as well. Additional examples and/or configurations arepossible.

For example, the reverberation plate may be configured with variousphysical dimensions (e.g., height, width, length, thickness, bendangles, etc.) depending on the configuration of the reverberation and/orthe desired effect, among other possibilities. In other examples, thereverberation plate may contain variances throughout the material toproduce desired effects, including one or more perforations, differentmaterial thickness at different points, different materials at differentpoints, and other possibilities.

Additionally, the reverberation plate may interact with one or moreexternal mechanisms that affect the performance of the reverberationplate and/or the resultant effect. For example, the reverberation platemay be suspended using one or more materials, in one or moreconfigurations, depending on the configuration and/or the desiredeffect. For example, the reverberation plate may be suspended inside thecabinet of a reverberation device using springs attached to a top andbottom portion of the reverberation plate. In another example, thereverberation plate may be suspended inside the cabinet of areverberation device using more rigid materials (e.g., metal wire) orsofter materials (e.g., cloth string), and/or different materials atdifferent connection points with the reverberation plate, cabinet, orboth.

Additionally or alternatively, the reverberation plate may be in closeproximity and/or touching one or more materials, in one or moreconfigurations, used to dampen or other affect an attribute of thereverberation plate. For example, the reverberation plate may be incontact with a dampening mechanism and/or material (e.g., felt, rubber,etc.) to reduce the resonance of the reverberation plate and/or shortenthe number of times a reverberated signal progresses through thereverberation plate. In other examples, the reverberation plate may bemay be in contact with a baffle or other components to control othercharacteristics the reverberation plates or other affect otherattributes of the reverberation plate (e.g., a foam and/or styrofoambaffle). Additional examples and/or configurations are possible.

Additionally, once the amplified input signal has been transmitted intothe reverberation plate, it may be transmitted out of the reverberationplate as an output signal using one or more transducers configured totransmit the output signal to an output amplifier. In some examples, theone or more output transducers may be configured to transmit the outputsignal out of one or more surfaces of the reverberation plate, which mayinclude a particular position on the surface and/or multiple surfaces ofthe reverberation plate. These configurations may be accomplished in anumber of ways.

In other examples, the output transducer may be a piezoelectrictransducer. In some examples, the piezoelectric transducer may beconnected to a surface and/or fixed in one or more positions on one ormore surfaces of the reverberation plate. For example, the outputtransducer may be mounted on a surface of the reverberation plate usingone or more connection mechanisms and connected to one or morecomponents of the reverberation device. In some examples, the outputtransducer may be mounted on a surface of the reverberation plate may beconfigured to transmit the amplified input signal at a particularposition on a particular type of surface of the reverberation plate(e.g., on one or more bended surfaces of the reverberation plate),depending on the configuration of the reverberation and/or the desiredeffect, among other possibilities.

In a further aspect, the reverberation device may use one or moreamplifiers (e.g., power amplifier, preamplifiers, etc.) or othertechnologies (e.g., line matching transformers, potentiometers, etc.) toadjust the output signal to a suitable to receive the output the outputsignal as an amplified output signal. In other example embodiments, oneor more of these features may be centralized on a specific portion ofthe reverberation device (e.g., a control panel) to ensure convenientoperation for the user. In a further aspect, the output amplifier andthe input amplifier may be different amplifiers, configured in differentways, and/or located at different parts of the reverberation device,among other possibilities. Alternatively, the output amplifier and theinput amplifier may be the same amplifier. Additional examples and/orconfigurations are possible.

In a further aspect, one or more of the components of the reverberationdevice (or the entire reverberation device) may be contained and/orpartially use one or more enclosures (e.g., cases, shields, etc.). Inone example, the entire reverberation device contained in an isolatedenclosure cabinet to reduce and/or eliminate interference and/orfeedback from external sound sources with one or more components of thereverberation device other than those inputted via an input of thereverberation device (e.g., sound coming from a nearby guitar amplifierspeaker that interferes with one or more of the piezoelectrictransducers of the reverberation device, which may create a feedbackloop). Additional examples and/or configurations are possible.

These systems, methods, and devices may provide technical advantages andimprove the portability, sonic capabilities, and consistency ofreverberation devices. Other features of the systems, methods, anddevices are described in further detail in the example embodimentsprovided below.

II. Example Architecture

A. Example Reverberation Device

FIG. 1 is an example reverberation device 100. The reverberation device100 can perform various acts and/or functions related to creating ananalog reverberation plate effect and may be implemented in areverberation system.

It should also be readily understood that reverberation device 100 andany of the components thereof, can be physical systems made up ofphysical devices and components, analog and digital, or some combinationof the two.

In any event, the reverberation device 100 can include variouscomponents, such as control panel 102, input amplifier 104, inputtransducer 106, reverberation plate 108 suspended inside reverberationdevice 100 by suspension mechanisms 110, output transducers 112 and 114,and output amplifier 116.

The reverberation device 100 can also include connection mechanisms,which connect the various components of the reverberation device (e.g.,a connection mechanism between input amplifier 104 and input transducer106, illustrated here as a straight line between the two components).

In practice, the reverberation device can allow the user to provide thereverberation device with an input signal from a musical instrument viaan instrument input on control panel 102. The instrument input signalmay be received by input amplifier 104 and an amplified input signal maybe sent to input transducer 106, which may be a piezoelectric transduceror loudspeaker, among other possibilities. In a further aspect, variouscontrol parameters of the input amplifier 104 may be controlled by oneor more controls on control panel 102 (e.g., tone, volume, mix, etc.).

Once the input transducer 106 receives the amplified input signal, itmay transmit the amplified input signal to a surface of reverberationplate 108. Reverberation plate 108 is shown here suspended insidereverberation device 100 by suspension mechanisms 110. In this exampleembodiment, reverberation plate 108 is bent in one direction so that thedistance between the first end of the reverberation plate and the secondend of the reverberation plate is less than a length of the top surfaceof the reverberation plate from the first end to the second end, inessence creating a “U” shape when looking top down at the reverberationplate. In this example embodiment, input transducer 106 is connected toa substantially flat surface of reverberation plate 108.

Once the input transducer 106 has transmitted the amplified input signalinto a surface of reverberation plate 108, the transmitted amplifiedinput signal will travel throughout the body of reverberation plate 108and may be received as an output signal at one or more positions on oneor more surfaces of reverberation plate 108. For example, in thisexample embodiment, output transducer 112 (which may be a piezoelectrictransducer, among other possibilities) is connected to a substantiallyflat surface of reverberation plate 108 and fairly proximate to inputtransducer 106, so the output signal received by output transducer 112may have similar characteristics to the amplified input signaltransmitted by input transducer 106. In this regard, the reverberatedoutput signal received at output transducer 112 may be more akin to a“normal” plate reverb effect. Conversely, in this example embodiment,output transducer 114 (which may be a piezoelectric transducer, amongother possibilities) is connected to a substantially bended surface ofreverberation plate 108 and fairly distant to input transducer 106, sothe output signal received by output transducer 114 may havesubstantially different characteristics than the amplified input signaltransmitted by input transducer 106. In this regard, the reverberatedoutput signal received at output transducer 114 may be produce new anddifferent “bend” plate reverb effects. Other configurations arepossible.

In a further aspect, output transducers 112 and 114 may transmit theoutput signal output amplifier 116, which may send the reverberatedoutput signals to one or more sources (e.g., an audio mixer, anamplified speaker, etc.), and various control parameters of the outputamplifier 114 may be controlled by one or more controls on control panel102 (e.g., tone, volume, mix, etc.).

B. Example Reverberation Device

FIG. 2 is an example reverberation device 200. The reverberation device200 can perform various acts and/or functions related to creating ananalog reverberation plate effect and may be implemented in areverberation system.

It should also be readily understood that reverberation device 200 andany of the components thereof, can be physical systems made up ofphysical devices and components, analog and digital, or some combinationof the two.

In any event, the reverberation device 200 can include variouscomponents, such as control panel 202, input amplifier 204, inputtransducer 206, input transducer mount 208, input transducer track 210,reverberation plate 212 suspended inside reverberation device 200 bysuspension mechanisms 214, output transducers 216 and 218, and outputamplifier 220.

The reverberation device 200 can also include connection mechanisms,which connect the various components of the reverberation device (e.g.,a connection mechanism between input amplifier 204 and input transducer206, illustrated here as a straight line between the two components).

In practice, the reverberation device can allow the user to provide thereverberation device with an input signal from a musical instrument viaan instrument input on control panel 202. The instrument input signalmay be received by input amplifier 204 and an amplified input signal maybe sent to input transducer 206. In a further aspect, various controlparameters of the input amplifier 204 may be controlled by one or morecontrols on control panel 202 (e.g., tone, volume, mix, etc.).

As illustrated in this example embodiment, input transducer 206 (whichmay be a piezoelectric transducer or loudspeaker, among otherpossibilities) may be positioned at various positions insidereverberation device 200 using input transducer mount 208 and inputtransducer track 210. For example, input transducer 206 may be connectedto input transducer track 210 using input transducer mount 208, whichmay allow the input transducer to be moved along one or more axesrelative to reverberation plate 212. In FIG. 2 , input transducer 206can slide along transducer track in a horizontal direction, but theremay be more than one mount and/or track that allows the transducer toslide in more than one direction (e.g., in both vertical and horizontaldirections relative to the reverberation plate). In some examples, inputtransducer mount 208 may allow input transducer 206 to slide along inputtransducer track 210 and once a user selects a position along inputtransducer track 210, input transducer mount 208 may lock the inputtransducer 206 in a particular position along input transducer track210. In other examples, input transducer mount 208, input transducertrack 210, or both may be used to control other variables of theposition of input transducer 206 relative to reverberation plate 212(e.g., input transducer mount 208 may control a distance between inputtransducer 206 to reverberation plate 212). Other examples are possible.

In any event, input transducer 206 may also transmit the amplified inputsignal to a surface of reverberation plate 212. Reverberation plate 212is shown here suspended inside reverberation device 200 by suspensionmechanisms 214. In this example embodiment, reverberation plate 212 isbent in one direction so that the distance between the first end of thereverberation plate and the second end of the reverberation plate isless than a length of the top surface of the reverberation plate fromthe first end to the second end, in essence creating a “U” shape whenlooking top down at the reverberation plate. In this example embodiment,input transducer 206 is connected to a substantially flat surface ofreverberation plate 212.

Once the input transducer 206 has transmitted the amplified input signalinto a surface of reverberation plate 212, the transmitted amplifiedinput signal will travel throughout the body of reverberation plate 212and may be received as an output signal at one or more positions on oneor more surfaces of reverberation plate 212. For example, in thisexample embodiment, output transducer 216 (which may be a piezoelectrictransducer, among other possibilities) is connected to a substantiallyflat surface of reverberation plate 212, so the output signal receivedby output transducer 216 may have similar characteristics to theamplified input signal transmitted by input transducer 206. In thisregard, the reverberated output signal received at output transducer 216may be more akin to a “normal” plate reverb effect. Conversely, in thisexample embodiment, output transducer 218 (which may be a piezoelectrictransducer, among other possibilities) is connected to a substantiallybended surface of reverberation plate 212, so the output signal receivedby output transducer 218 may have substantially differentcharacteristics than the amplified input signal transmitted by inputtransducer 216. In this regard, the reverberated output signal receivedat output transducer 218 may be produce new and different “bend” platereverb effects. Other configurations are possible.

In a further aspect, output transducers 216 and 218 may transmit theoutput signal output amplifier 220, which may send the reverberatedoutput signals to one or more sources (e.g., an audio mixer, anamplified speaker, etc.), and various control parameters of the outputamplifier 220 may be controlled by one or more controls on control panel202 (e.g., tone, volume, mix, etc.).

C. Example Reverberation Device

FIG. 3 is an example reverberation device 300. The reverberation device300 can perform various acts and/or functions related to creating ananalog reverberation plate effect and may be implemented in areverberation system.

It should also be readily understood that reverberation device 300 andany of the components thereof, can be physical systems made up ofphysical devices and components, analog and digital, or some combinationof the two.

In any event, the reverberation device 300 can include variouscomponents, such as control panel 302, input amplifier 304, rotatingloudspeaker 306, reverberation plate 308 suspended inside reverberationdevice 300 by suspension mechanisms 310, output transducers 312 and 314,and output amplifier 316.

The reverberation device 300 can also include connection mechanisms,which connect the various components of the reverberation device (e.g.,a connection mechanism between output amplifier 316 and outputtransducers 312 and 314, illustrated here as straight lines between thecomponents).

In practice, the reverberation device can allow the user to provide thereverberation device with an input signal from a musical instrument viaan instrument input on control panel 302. The instrument input signalmay be received by input amplifier 304 and an amplified input signal maybe sent to rotating loudspeaker 306. Rotating loudspeaker 306 may berotated using one or more mechanical devices, some or all of which maybe integrated into input amplifier 304. In a further aspect, variouscontrol parameters of the input amplifier 304 and/or rotatingloudspeaker 306 may be controlled by one or more controls on controlpanel 302 (e.g., tone, volume, mix, rotation rate/speed, etc.).

As illustrated in this example embodiment, rotating loudspeaker 306 maybe positioned inside reverberation plate 308 and may transmit theamplified input signal to multiple surfaces of reverberation plate 308at various rates and/or rotational speeds over time. In a furtheraspect, the distance between rotating loudspeaker 306 and the insidesurfaces of reverberation plate 308 and/or the transmission angle ofrotating loudspeaker 306 and the inside surfaces of reverberation plate308 can be adjusted and/or varied in a number of ways. Reverberationplate 308 is shown here suspended inside reverberation device 300 bysuspension mechanisms 310. In this example embodiment, reverberationplate 308 is bent in one direction so that the distance between thefirst end of the reverberation plate and the second end of thereverberation plate is less than a length of the top surface of thereverberation plate from the first end to the second end, in essencecreating a “U” shape when looking top down at the reverberation plate.

Once rotating loudspeaker 306 has transmitted one or more amplifiedinput signals into one or more surfaces of reverberation plate 308, thetransmitted amplified input signals will travel throughout the body ofreverberation plate 308 and may be received as output signals at one ormore positions on one or more surfaces of reverberation plate 308. Forexample, in this example embodiment, output transducer 312 is connectedto a substantially flat surface of reverberation plate 308, so theoutput signal received by output transducer 312 may have similarcharacteristics to the amplified input signal transmitted by rotatingloudspeaker 306. In this regard, the reverberated output signal receivedat output transducer 312 may be more akin to a “normal” plate reverbeffect. Conversely, in this example embodiment, output transducer 314 isconnected to a substantially bended surface of reverberation plate 308,so the output signal received by output transducer 314 may havesubstantially different characteristics than the amplified input signaltransmitted by rotating loudspeaker 306. In this regard, thereverberated output signal received at output transducer 314 may beproduce new and different “bend” plate reverb effects. Otherconfigurations are possible.

In a further aspect, output transducers 312 and 314 may transmit theoutput signal output amplifier 316, which may send the reverberatedoutput signals to one or more sources (e.g., an audio mixer, anamplified speaker, etc.), and various control parameters of the outputamplifier 316 may be controlled by one or more controls on control panel302 (e.g., tone, volume, mix, etc.).

D. Example Control Panel for Example Reverberation Device

FIG. 4 is an example control panel 400 for a reverberation device, suchas those illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 above. The control panel 400 canperform various acts and/or functions related to creating an analogreverberation plate devices and effects, and may also be implemented ina reverberation system.

It should also be readily understood that control panel 400 and any ofthe components thereof, can be physical systems made up of physicaldevices and components, analog and digital, or some combination of thetwo.

In any event, the control panel 400 can include various components, suchinstrument inputs 402, volume controls 404, bend mix controls 406,normal mix controls 408, stereo outputs 410, and mono output 412.

In practice, the control panel 400 can allow the user to input a signalfrom a musical instrument into the reverberation device via instrumentinputs 402 and control various aspects of the audio signal that isproduced by the reverberation device.

For example, the volumes of the input amplifier and/or output amplifiersthe reverberation devices discussed in connection with FIGS. 1-3 abovemay be controlled via volume controls 404, labeled here as “INPUTVOLUME” (which corresponds to the volume of the amplified input signal)and “OUTPUT VOLUME” (which corresponds to the volume of the amplifiedoutput signal). By allowing a user to vary these volumes, additionalsonic capabilities and effects may be achieved. For example, if the userincreases the input volume, the volume/intensity of the amplified inputsignal transmitted onto a surface of the reverberation plate increasesand the reverberation plate may physically and acoustically react indifferent ways, which will result in a number of different outputsignals and/or effects. For example, by increasing the input volume, theamplified input signal creates an overdrive/distortion effect byoverdriving a piezoelectric transducer connected to a surface of thereverberation plate. Other examples are possible.

In a further aspect, assuming that the amplified out signal is splitinto a stereo signal, shown here as a “LEFT” signal and a “RIGHT”signal, then the bend mix controls 406 and normal mix controls 408 alsoadd additional sonic capabilities to the reverberation device. In thisexample, bend mix controls 406 correlate to the output transducersconnected to substantially bended surfaces of a reverberation plate andnormal mix controls 408 correlate to the output transducers connected tosubstantially flat surfaces of a reverberation plate, as illustrated inFIGS. 1-3 above. By using bend mix controls 406 and normal mix controls408, a user is able to determine how much of the “bend” amplified outputsignal and the “normal” amplified output signal is presented in the“LEFT” amplified output signal and the “RIGHT” signal amplified outputsignal. Conversely, if the user prefers a single amplified outputsignal, the user may use mono output 412 and control how much of the“bend” amplified output signal and the “normal” amplified output signalis presented in the mono output (e.g., by turning the “BLEND” controlall the way to the left, only the “bend” amplified output signal ispresented, by turning the “BLEND” control all the way to the right, onlythe “normal” amplified output is presented, and the two amplified outputsignals are blended in positions in between).

E. Example Method

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an example method 500.

At block 502, the method 500 can include, receiving, from a musicalinstrument, via an input amplifier, an input signal.

At block 504, the method 500 can include, based on the received inputsignal, outputting, from the input amplifier to an input transducer, anamplified input signal. In some examples, the input transducer may be aloudspeaker. In some examples, the loudspeaker may be a fixed positionloudspeaker configured to transmit the amplified input signal at aparticular position on a surface of a reverberation plate. In someexamples, the loudspeaker may be a variable position loudspeakerconfigured to transmit the amplified input signal at multiple positionson a surface of a reverberation plate. In some examples, the loudspeakermay be a rotating loudspeaker configured to transmit the amplified inputsignal at multiple positions on a surface of a reverberation plate. Insome examples, the input transducer may be a piezoelectric transducerconnected to a surface of the reverberation plate. In some examples, theinput transducer may transmit an amplified input signal at a flatsurface of the reverberation plate. At block 506, the method 500 caninclude, transmitting, via the input transducer, the amplified inputsignal to one or more surfaces of a reverberation plate, wherein thereverberation plate comprises a bended surface. In some examples, thereverberation plate may comprise a metallic material. In some examples,the metallic material may comprise aluminum. In some examples, themetallic material may comprise steel. In some examples, thereverberation plate may comprise a wooden material. In some examples,the wooden material may comprise one or more of: (i) spruce; (ii)mahogany; (iii) maple; (iv) rosewood; (v) walnut; and (vi) pine. In someexamples, a distance from a first end of the reverberation plate to asecond end of the reverberation plate is less than a length of a topsurface of the reverberation plate from the first end to the second end.In some examples, a first end of the reverberation plate and a secondend of the reverberation plate are connected. In some examples, a firstend of the reverberation plate and a second end of the reverberationplate are not connected. In some examples, the reverberation platecomprises a flat surface.

At block 508, the method 500 can also include, based on the transmittedinput signal, outputting, to an output transducer, from the bendedsurface of the reverberation plate, an output signal. In some examples,the input transducer may be a piezoelectric transducer connected to thebended surface of the reverberation plate.

At block 510, the method 500 can include, transmitting, via the outputtransducer, the outputted output signal to an output amplifier.

At block 512, the method 500 can include, receiving, via the outputamplifier, the outputted output signal.

At block 514, the method 500 can also include, outputting, via theoutput amplifier, an amplified output signal. In some examples, theinput amplifier and the output amplifier are the same amplifier. In someexamples, the input amplifier and the output amplifier are differentamplifiers.

III. Example Variations

Although some of the acts and/or functions described in this disclosurehave been described as being performed by a particular entity, the actsand/or functions can be performed by any entity, such as those entitiesdescribed in this disclosure. Further, although the acts and/orfunctions have been recited in a particular order, the acts and/orfunctions need not be performed in the order recited. However, in someinstances, it can be desired to perform the acts and/or functions in theorder recited. Further, each of the acts and/or functions can beperformed responsive to one or more of the other acts and/or functions.Also, not all of the acts and/or functions need to be performed toachieve one or more of the benefits provided by this disclosure, andtherefore not all of the acts and/or functions are required.

Although certain variations have been discussed in connection with oneor more examples of this disclosure, these variations can also beapplied to all of the other examples of this disclosure as well.

Although select examples of this disclosure have been described,alterations and permutations of these examples will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art. Other changes, substitutions, and/oralterations are also possible without departing from the invention inits broader aspects as set forth in the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A reverberation device configured for use with a musicalinstrument, comprising: an input amplifier configured to receive aninput signal from the musical instrument and output an amplified inputsignal based on the received input signal; an input transducer connectedto the input amplifier and configured to transmit the amplified inputsignal; a reverberation plate comprising a bended surface, wherein thereverberation plate is connected to the input transducer, and whereinthe reverberation plate is configured to output the amplified inputsignal as an output signal at the bended surface; an output transducerconnected to the reverberation plate at the bended surface andconfigured to transmit the output signal; and an output amplifierconfigured to receive the transmitted output signal from the outputtransducer and output an amplified output signal.
 2. The reverberationdevice of claim 1, wherein the input transducer comprises a loudspeaker.3. The reverberation device of claim 2, wherein the loudspeakercomprises a fixed position loudspeaker, and wherein the fixed positionloudspeaker is configured to transmit the amplified input signal at aparticular position on a surface of the reverberation plate.
 4. Thereverberation device of claim 2, wherein the loudspeaker comprises avariable position loudspeaker, and wherein the variable positionloudspeaker is configured to transmit the amplified input signal atmultiple positions on a surface of the reverberation plate.
 5. Thereverberation device of claim 2, wherein the loudspeaker comprises arotating loudspeaker, and wherein the rotating loudspeaker is configuredto transmit the amplified input signal at multiple positions on asurface of the reverberation plate.
 6. The reverberation device of claim1, wherein the input transducer comprises a piezoelectric transducerconnected to a surface of the reverberation plate.
 7. The reverberationdevice of claim 1, wherein the reverberation plate comprises a metallicmaterial.
 8. The reverberation device of claim 7, wherein the metallicmaterial comprises aluminum.
 9. The reverberation device of claim 7,wherein the metallic material comprises steel.
 10. The reverberationdevice of claim 1, wherein the reverberation plate comprises a woodenmaterial.
 11. The reverberation device of claim 10, wherein the woodenmaterial comprises one or more of: (i) spruce; (ii) mahogany; (iii)maple; (iv) rosewood; (v) walnut; and (vi) pine.
 12. The reverberationdevice of claim 1, wherein a distance from a first end of thereverberation plate to a second end of the reverberation plate is lessthan a length of a top surface of the reverberation plate from the firstend to the second end.
 13. The reverberation device of claim 1, whereina first end of the reverberation plate and a second end of thereverberation plate are connected.
 14. The reverberation device of claim1, wherein the output transducer comprises a piezoelectric transducerconnected to the bended surface of the reverberation plate.
 15. Thereverberation device of claim 1, wherein the input amplifier and theoutput amplifier are the same amplifier.
 16. The reverberation device ofclaim 1, wherein the input amplifier and the output amplifier aredifferent amplifiers.
 17. The reverberation device of claim 1, whereinthe reverberation plate comprises a metallic material and a flatsurface, and wherein the input transducer is configured to transmit theamplified input signal at the flat surface.
 18. The reverberation deviceof claim 17, wherein a distance from a first end of the reverberationplate to a second end of the reverberation plate is less than a lengthof a top surface of the reverberation plate from the first end to thesecond end.
 19. A method comprising: receiving, from a musicalinstrument, via an input amplifier, an input signal; based on thereceived input signal, outputting, from the input amplifier to an inputtransducer, an amplified input signal; transmitting, via the inputtransducer, the amplified input signal to one or more surfaces of areverberation plate, wherein the reverberation plate comprises a bendedsurface; based on the transmitted amplified input signal, outputting, toan output transducer, from the bended surface of the reverberationplate, an output signal; transmitting, via the output transducer, theoutputted output signal to an output amplifier; receiving, via theoutput amplifier, the outputted output signal; and outputting, via theoutput amplifier, an amplified output signal.
 20. A reverberation systemconfigured for use with a musical instrument, comprising: an inputamplifier configured to receive an input signal from the musicalinstrument and output an amplified input signal based on the receivedinput signal; a reverberation unit comprising: an input transducerconfigured to receive an amplified input signal from the input amplifierand configured to transmit the amplified input signal; a reverberationplate comprising a bended surface, wherein the reverberation plate isconnected to the input transducer, and wherein the reverberation plateis configured to output the amplified input signal as an output signalat the bended surface; and an output transducer connected to thereverberation plate at the bended surface and configured to transmit theoutput signal; and an output amplifier configured to receive thetransmitted output signal from the output transducer and output anamplified output signal.